1988 Jeep Cherokee Reviews - Page 9 of 12

1988 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4.0L from North America

Summary:

Faults:

Only what would be considered routine maintenance and expect wear and tear. This includes having to have changed the Harmonic Dampener a couple of times.

General Comments:

Our family has owned our 1988 Jeep Cherokee for nearly 15 years. My dad bought it as a "buy-back" car with about 14K miles on it. It now has well over 275K miles on it, and is only now starting to show signs of age. It has been, by far, the most reliable car I have owned. I cannot say enough about the dependability of the 4.0L engine and the AW4 transmission pair. Someone did a fantastic engineering job on that match. We rebuilt the engine ourselves at about 250K miles, mostly for fun. We found that the engine had worn, but not unreasonably. The transmission feels like it would pull a freight train, but I would not recommend it.

If you can find an '88 Cherokee with less than 125K miles on it, in otherwise good condition, I would not hesitate to buy one. I am a 100% satisfied owner. Too bad they did away with it.

Unfortunately, I don't think I would buy a new Jeep. It seems like since DC took over the quality and workmanship have slipped quite a lot. I also own a 1998 Jeep Wrangler and have had a lot of annoying minor problems with it. The Cherokee is a much better basic car.

25th Jan 2004, 09:34

I just wanted to say I just bought an 1988 Jeep Cherokee with only 130,200 miles for only $1000. I love the car there are only a few things that annoy me about it, maybe you can shine some light on it for me. For one it takes me about 4-6 seconds to start the car any idea why it might take so long? Also, over head there is something missing above the mirror any idea what it could be, cause I think it might have been a light? if anyone has any information for me please e mail Timmy185@aol.com THANK YOU.

9th May 2003, 15:06

25th Jun 2003, 18:12

My '90 Cherokee Laredo has 309,000 miles on its original engine and transmission. A poorly engineered cooling system (plastic coolant bottle and pressure cap) is the only aggravation this vehicle has ever caused me.

29th Jun 2005, 18:34

If the velicle is not shifting right, you have to ask your self the last time the transmission fluid was changed. If you red line to much, your transmission will go out. There is something sticking inside the transmission case, get it look at by a mechanic right away. 300.00 dollars now or 3000.00 dollars later.